HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/09/2007, PH2 - FORMATION OF A COUNTYWIDE TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT Col. nat � Mccw D.
January 9,2007
acEnba Report
CITY O F SAN LUI S OBI S PO
FROM: Shelly Stanwyck, Assistant CAO
Prepared by: Brigitte Elke, Principal Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: FORMATION OF A COUNTYWIDE TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT
CAO RECOMMENDATION
As recommended by the Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC), approve the resolution of
consent to allow the lodging industry to decide whether or not to form a countywide tourism
Business Improvement District for purposes of increasing industry investment in tourism
marketing efforts in San Luis Obispo County.
DISCUSSION
Background
In March 2006, Jonni Biaggini, Director of the County's Visitors and Conference Bureau,
presented to the Council the concept of a creating a countywide Business Improvement District
(BID) for tourism and the formation process that would need to be undertaken (Attachment 1).
During the "questions and answer" period, Council focused on two distinct areas: (1) what is the
level of support for this proposal amongst the local hotel owners and (2) what are the mechanical
aspects that need to happen on the City's end to facilitate the BID, the collection of funds, and
the associated cost to the City.
At that time, Council requested that the PCC review, analyze, and possibly make a
recommendation to the Council regarding the BID. Council also requested that the PCC obtain
feedback from each of the local hotels prior to making their recommendation. Staff was directed
to be working on a parallel track to the PCC to complete its analysis of the mechanics of the BID.
Since that time, the County Board of Supervisors has passed the resolution to request consent of
the cities of the County of San Luis Obispo to allow the industry to consider creating what is now
called the San Luis Obispo County Tourism Business Improvement District (SLOCTBID)
(Attachment 2).
The cities of Morro Bay and Atascadero have passed resolutions allowing their lodging industries
to participate in the SLOCTBID. Paso Robles has discussed the item and postponed a decision to
a date uncertain due to questions regarding the governing ordinance. Arroyo Grande has the BID
item tentatively scheduled for January 23, 2007, as.does Grover Beach. At this point, the Pismo
Beach Council will not entertain the idea of a BID for its lodging industry.
Council Agenda Report—Countywide Tourism Improvement District Page 2
Purpose and Legal Form of Business Improvement District
Simply put, the purpose of forming the district as a business improvement area (under the
Parking and Business Improvement Area.Law of 1989) is to provide revenue to be used only for
certain purposes authorized by state law. This increase in revenue will defray the costs of
services, activities and programs promoting tourism which will benefit the operators of hotels in
the district through the promotion of scenic, recreational, cultural and other attractions in the
district.
The BID ordinance is based on the 1989 Parking and Business Improvement Area Law, and its
implementation ordinance depends upon a negative protest model. The ordinance(and thus the
BID) can be revoked, if enough property owners "protest." More information on the mechanics
of the process is explained in the next section, along with various accountability provisions
proposed for the SLOCTBID.
Mechanics of the BID
The formation of the BID is a multi-step process mandated by state law to provide opportunity
for affected businesses to pool their resources for a common purpose—or to protest doing so.
The following outlines the steps to be taken in the process:.
1. Business owners must petition the County and cities to establish a BID on their
behalf.
2. The County must pass a resolution requesting that cities consent to the County's
formation of a.BID. This resolution was passed by the County Board of Supervisors
on July 18, 2006.
3. Cities must then approve a resolution of consent to allow the County to form a BID..
4. County sends a copy of the BID proposal to affected businesses.
5. Public hearings are held to receive comment.
6. County establishes a BID by ordinance unless 50%or more of the total assessment
proposed submits a written protest.
If approved, the SLOCTBID will be in effect for the period of one year: After one year, the
lodging industry is given the opportunity to comment again, and if there is a protest equal to 50%
or more of the assessment total at the anniversary date, the BID will dissolve. In addition, the
Council can revoke the governing resolution after one year and therefore exclude its lodging
industry from participating in the countywide BID
Once the BID is established, the County Board of Supervisors, by law, must appoint an advisory
board made up of lodging businesses. As currently proposed in the draft ordinance to be
considered by the Board of Supervisors, an advisory body consisting of nine members of the
lodging industry is to be created to carry out the functions of the SLOCTBID. The advisory board
reports to the County Supervisors, maintaining accountability for the funds. The advisory board
will become members of the San Luis Obispo County Visitors and Conference Bureau (VCB)
Board of Directors, since at this time, the County Supervisors plans to contract with the VCB to
manage and implement the marketing plan. Thus, there are several accountability and oversight
provisions built into the proposal.
Council Agenda Report—Countywide Tourism Improvement District Page 3
Potential Advantages of a Business Improvement District
Historically, tourism promotion in the County has heavily relied on public funding and the
advertising dollars of individual hotels. The BID formation is an opportunity for the lodging
establishments to assess themselves—in a coordinated and strategic way—to invest added funds
directly into marketing efforts for their industry.
The VCB argues that this new approach is essential in today's tourism environment in light of
ongoing and new challenges. The lodging inventory is projected to increase by 3,570 rooms
(+43%) countywide and by 450 rooms (+24%) in the City of San Luis Obispo alone within the
next few years (Attachment 3 —Countywide Occupancy Trend). In addition, 26 counties in the
State of California have successfully established Tourism BID_ s, thus raising the competitive bar
higher in tourism promotion statewide.
Competitive Outlook
The competition for tourism dollars appears to be increasingly fierce in nature. Added
information about hotel inventory and increasing competition is provided in Attachment 1. In
terms of regional competition, Monterey County has established a BID and its marketing budget
is expected to grow from $2.6 million to almost$5.0 million dollars. Sonoma County has
increased its room occupancy, which they believe is largely due to the BID money and Santa
Barbara is currently considering a BID for the county.
Government allocations and countywide tourism marketing contribution continue to be
vulnerable to budget constraints and competing priorities as the budget distribution below
reiterates:
The County's Visitors and Conference Bureau contribution from city and county government,
2006 2005
County of SLO: $289,000 $275,000
City of SLO: $ 72,000 $ 70,040
City of Atascadero: $ 9,000 $ 9,222
City of Morro Bay $ 5,000 $ 62,803
City of Paso Robles: $ 8,804 $ 8,464
City of Arroyo Grande: $ 7,100 $ 6,890
City of Grover Beach: $ 6,500 6,222
_
Total 397 914 i1aa 641
Our City— like many cities—has long encouraged the hotel industry to be less reliant on
governmental assistance and bring more of their own resources to the promotion of the industry.
The tourism BID is an opportunity for the industry to do so and would represent a major step in
this direction.
Council Agenda Report—Countywide Tourism Improvement District Page 4
By assessing 1% of the room rate, the San Luis Obispo Tourism BID would collect $2.3 million
per year based on 2005/06 transient occupancy tax (TOT) numbers of all the County
jurisdictions. Together with the existing funding, the budget for countywide tourism promotion
could total $2.7 million. However, it is anticipated to be less, due to Pismo Beach's unlikely
participation in the SLOCTBID.
A Snapshot of Local Hotelier Sentiments
While staff was unable to get 100% response from the local hotels, and sentiments changed over
time (and may still be changing), we can provide some added insights for the Council in the view
of our local hotels relative to the BID idea.
Dated March 20, 2006, staff received a letter of support signed by 10 hotel property owners in
addition to individual petition letters from several local hoteliers which were received between
September and December of 2006 (Attachment 4).
Independent phone calls by staff, made between April and August 2006, to the hotel owners or
managers revealed:
• 19 properties are in support
• 10 properties are opposing
• 6 properties have not responded
According to the BID law, the properties not responding are automatically counted as "yes" votes
due to the negative protest clause. In terms of properties, this represents 66% in favor of the BID.
In terms of"rooms", the 19 properties in favor represent 62% of the rooms in SLO; combined
with the non responses, this would represent 70% of total rooms in the City. Thus, hotels
opposed represent approximately 30% of the rooms in San Luis Obispo. In terms of actual
rooms, the supporting properties represent 1269 rooms, non-supporting properties 614 rooms and
the ones that have not responded approximately 156 rooms..
PCC Recommendation
The PCC scheduled the BID item for discussion on several of its monthly meetings, and heard
public comment from hoteliers voicing their concerns, support, and, on occasion, opposition for
the countywide BID. They evaluated current trends, future outlook and consulted with staff on
the research conducted amongst the lodging industry.
Those hoteliers expressing opposition to a BID have expressed concern about the added financial
burden, feeling that they cannot increase the room rates to compensate for it. In addition, some
have said that BID marketing will benefit retail outlets, wineries, restaurants, and others without
any contribution on their part to the effort. Questions have also been raised regarding
governance, should a countywide BID be created.
After much consideration, the PCC concluded that the arguments in favor of a BID are
compelling enough to allow the industry itself to decide. Therefore, in September 2006 the PCC
voted unanimously to recommend that Council take the steps necessary to move the final
decision to the industry itself(Attachment 5 —PCC Minutes). Questions regarding governance
—7
Council Agenda Report–Countywide Tourism Improvement District Page 5
and other concerns, in the opinion of the PCC, can be discussed further between property owners
and the VCB,prior to expressing final opinions through the protest hearing.
Indeed, while this report was being drafted, further information regarding BID governance
policies was being circulated by the VCB and considered by the hoteliers.
Collection of the BID Assessment
If a bid is created, the City's Finance Division would collect the BID assessment of 1% of the
rent charged together with the TOT collection. The amounts collected will be sent to the
County's Collectors office within 30 days of collection.
However, since this is an assessment fee administered by the County, the City proposes to refer
all unpaid and/or underpaid amounts to the County Tax Collector for follow-up and collection
action. The ordinance imposes a penalty of 10% of assessment for non-payment. There are
specific provision of the governing County ordinance (Attachment 6) regarding collection and
remittance of funds that are still being negotiated between the City and the County. The
resolution is therefore contingent on approval of the final ordinance language.
FISCAL IMPACT
Per County ordinance, the City may retain up to 2% of the amount collected as an administrative
fee for billing and passing through of the BID contribution. Based on the 2005/06 TOT collection
of$4,539,158 this would generate $9,078 in revenue to the City.
CONCURRENCE
In their monthly meeting on September 20, 2006, the PCC unanimously voted for a positive
recommendation to the City Council. The City Attorney has reviewed the draft County ordinance
(Attachment 6) to govern the SLOCTBID and addressed several concerns that will result in a new
version of the ordinance. The Chamber of Commerce is remaining neutral on the issue of whether
or not a BID should be formed, and is instead serving as "a broker of information."
ALTERNATIVES
1. The Council could not adopt the resolution. This would automatically exclude the San Luis
Obispo City lodging industry from participating in the countywide BID decision, since it does not
allow for individual membership or participation.
2. The Council, if in its discussions determines that more information is needed could direct staff to
return with additional information at a future date. Specific direction on the information required
should be given.
�.— Jr
Council Agenda Report—Countywide Tourism Improvement District Page 6
ATTACHMENTS
1. VCB March 2006 Presentation to Council
2. County Resolution
3. County wide Occupancy Trends
4. Letter of Support from 10 Properties
5. PCC Minutes—September 20, 2006
6. Draft County Ordinance
7. Proposed Resolution
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ATIACHME92
IN THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO,STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Tues day of July 18 20 06
PRESENT: Supervisors Harry L. Ovitt, Shirley Bianchi, Jerry Lenthall,
James. R. Patterson and .Chairperson X.E.. 'Katcho'. Achadjian
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION NO. 2006-250
RESOLUTION REQUESTING CONSENT OF THE CITIES OF ARROYO
GRANDE,ATASCADERO,GROPER BEACH,MORRO BAY,PASO ROBLES,
PISMO BEACH,AND SAN LUIS OBISPO TO CREATE THE
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
(SLOCTBID)
WHEREAS,the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo desires to
begin the process to form the San Luis Obispo County Tourism Business Improvement
District("SLOCTBID')pursuant to the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of
1989,Streets and Highways Code section 36500 et seq.,to fund tourism.promotions and
marketing programs for the San Luis Obispo.tourism industry,-and
WHEREAS,certain lodging business owners have:requested that the Board of
Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo create the SLOCTBID for purposes of
promotion of lodging businesses in San Luis Obispo County;and
WHEREAS, the territory proposed to be included in the SLOCTBID lies within
the boundaries of the Cities of Arroyo Grande,Atascadero,Grover Beach,Morro Bay,
Paso Robles,Pismo Beach,and San Luis Obispo(the"Cities'%,as shown on the map
attached hereto as Exhibit A andincorporated herein by such attachment;and
WHEREAS,the lodging businesses located within the Cities which lie within the
boundaries of the proposed SLOCTBID will,in the opimon.of the Board of Supervisors,
be benefited by the proposed improvements and activities to be carried out,and the
purpose sought to be accomplished by the work can best be accomplished by a single
comprehensive scheme of work;and
WHEREAS,consenting cities will participate in the SLOCTBID by collecting and
transferring to the County of San Luis Obispo the SLOCTBID assessment applied to
lodging businesses within their jurisdictions;
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED,by the Board of Supervisors of the
County of San Luis Obispo that:
Section 1: The above recitals are true and correct.
Section 2: Consent of the Cities,through their CityCouncil,.is hereby requested to
create the SLOTBID,and to grant to the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis
2-z 9
® ATTACHE
Obispo jurisdiction for all the purposes in connection with creation and operation of the
proposed SLOTBID,with input from the lodging businesses and participating cities.
Section 3: The Clerk of the Board is hereby directed to transmit a certified copy of
this Resolution to the City Clerk of the Cities of Arroyo Grande,Atascadero,Grover
Beach,Morro Bay,Paso Robles,Pismo Beach,and San Luis Obispo.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at aregular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the
County of San Luis Obispo,State of California,held on this 18th day of.Sulu ,2006
by the following vote:
AYES:Supervisors Ovitt, Leathall, Bianchi, Patterson, Chairperson Achadjian
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINING:None
K.H.ACHANIAN
Chairman of the Board of Supervisors
ATTEST:
..JULIE L. RODEWALD
Clerk of the Board of Snnery sora
By: C.M. CHRISTENSEN Deputy Clerk
[SEAL] Tor Waft
CCDM OF MW LUIS WSPO)es
I,JULIEL R(MEWALO,Counfy Clerk of the above
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGAL EFFECT: antkled Comfy,and Ex-officio Cla;tr of the Board
of SuperviwrsthereoP,doheroycarlWhefore
going to be afull,true and sorsa copy of an order
JAMES B.LIIVDHOLM,JR entered to tho Winds.,of:"aos d of Super-
County Counsel vlure,and now rranalalnp of racard In my office.
Witness,rM hand end seal of.said Board of
SupervigmtWAL 2 0 2006
B G
rstant County Corm I JUUE L RODEWALD
Ccung Osrk and Fx-OE7cb Clark
Dated: Y of the Board of SupavEaora.
' Cept�rCkrk
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ATTACHMENT 4
March 20, 2006
San Luis Obispo City Council
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dear Council Members:
We the undersigned strongly support the establishment of the San Luis Obispo County Tourism
BID as the best way to increase tourism promotion funding for our area.
We hoteliers rely on the tourism promotion efforts of a number of organizations. The success of
all these programs will be enhanced if we can strengthen countywide tourism promotion efforts
through the San Luis Obispo County VCB and the BID. The City directly benefits from these
efforts because of the large amount of TOT dollars that are generated.
It is becoming more and more apparent that our local government entities will not be able to fund
tourism promotion to the level that will be required to meet the challenges that the lodging industry
faces today. Because of a major increase in the number of new rooms projected to be built and the
increase in competing destinations' marketing efforts, our county must respond with strength.
The lodging industry and SLO County VCB have created a program that will help us meet this
challenge. The SLO County Tourism BID will guarantee a stable and larger funding source to
market our county and compete effectively with Santa Barbara and Monterey Counties, that have
historically more money for tourism promotion. The BID would be in existence one year at a time.
San Luis Obispo County will be joining the current trend to establish BIDs for tourism promotion
in California. Lake Tahoe, Sonoma County, San Mateo County, West Hollywood, Huntington
Beach and Carlsbad are just a few who have already taken this opportunity to strengthen their
important hospitality industry. Monterey County is in the process.
Establishing a tourism BID will only be paid by the lodging,but everyone in the City will benefit.
Please allow the lodging industry to determine the best way to compete grow the pie for all of
us. It's only for a year!
Since
e.
A Per Fax
Embassy Suites .--Qua . f Holiday Inn Express
��`�• Per Fax
La Cuesta Inn amplighter San Luis Creek Lodge
Per Fax VZ
Garden Sire t BW Royal Oak B Somerset Inn
—32
ATTACHMENT
. Per Fax Per Fax Per Fax
Vagabond Inn Coachman Inn Econolodge
Per Fax
Homestead Motelada Inn * each Tree Inn
Same as Coachman-Inn Per Fax
Suite Edna, Old Edna San Luis Inn & Suites Bridge Creek Inn
The S4hitarium
33
12/18/2006 22:36 8055439498 SLOCVCB PAGE 02
CACHMENT4
Petition to Establish the
San Luis Obispo County Tourism Business Improvement District
Dear City Council:
Our lodging property, in coordination with the San Luis Obispo County Visitors &
Conference Bureau (SLOCVCB), supports the proposal to establish a Tourism
.Business Improvement District in San Luis Obispo County.
A Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) will enable unto establish an
adequate and stable funding source to promote San Luis Obispo County as a tourism
destination for year-round travel. We support the'proposal of an assessment of 1% per
occupied room per night.
The Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) is proposed for the County of San
Luis Obispo's unincorporated areas and the Cities of Atascadero, Arroyo Grande,
Grover Beach, Mono Bay, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles and Pismo Beach.
We understand these funds will be used exclusively for the tourism industry promotion
in San Luis Obispo County. A Tourism District will provide economic benefit to lodging
establishments, tourism related businesses, and the local jurisdictions in San Luis
Obispo County.
Please take this letter of support for the countywide Tourism Business Improvement
District under consideration. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
San Luis Inn and Suites
Name of Lodging Property (printed) ,
Owner/Representative Name (printed)
oG
LSI—(
Owner/Representative Signature Date
�3y
12/18/2006 22: 36 8055439498 SLOCVCB PAGE 03
12/12/2006 14:85 8316558, HILTON PAGE 01
Petition to Establish a MOMENT,!
MEN I
San uls Obispo County Tourism Busins Improvement District
Dear City Council:
Our lodging property, in coordination with the San Wi Obispo County VJsbrs &
Con eMn-)q Bureau(SLQCVCB), supports the Proposal to establish a Tourism
Business Improvement District in San Luis Obispo County,
A Tourism Business Improvement District(MID)will enable us to establish an
adequate a nd stable fu nding source to promote San Luis Obispo County as a tourism
dest natfot for Year-round travel. We support the proposal of an assessment o!t°rb per
occupied icam per night
The Tourk;ln Business..Improvement District(MID) is proposed for the County of San
Luis*Obis;ci's unincorporated areas and the Cities ofAtascadero,Arroyo Grand®,
Grover Beach, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles and Pismo Beach;
We under,iand these funds will be used exclusively for the tourism industry promotion
in San Lui.Obispo County. A Tourism District wirl provide economic benefit to lodging
estahlishrr.ents,tourism related businesses,and the losai]urisdicfJons in San Luys
ObJspo County.
Please tak 9 this letter of support for the countywide TpgriSm Business Improvement
District Unc fir considerailon. Thank you far your time.
Sincerely,
G��rz t�-t�a.� g�t yr•r,���o T�, .
Name cif Lodging PRlip" (printed)
5;Wer1�epn=se ve Name(ptintect)
Owner/=.eprmsentat Signature ` ►Z o(�
Date
Please return th® completed pefitlon to:
Kathleen 9auret
San We Obtnpo County VCII3
811 EI Capitan Way,San Luis Obuspo,CA 93401
Frac:(600)34,4.8498
12/18/2006 22:36 8055439498 SLOCVCB PAGE 04
ATTACHMENT
Petition to Establish the
San Luis Obispo County Tourism Business Improvement District
Dear City Council:
Our lodging property, in coordination with the San Luis Obispo County Visitors &
Conference Bureau (SLOCVCB), supports the proposal to establish a Tourism
Improvement District in San Luis Obispo County.
A Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) will enable us to establish an
adequate and stable funding source to promote San Luis Obispo County as a tourism
destination for year-round travel. We support the proposal of an assessment of 1% per
occupied room per night.
The Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) is proposed for the County of San
Luis Obispo's unincorporated areas and the Cities of Atascadero, Arroyo Grande,
Grover Beach, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles and Pismo Beach.
We understand these funds will be used exclusively for the tourism industry promotion
in San Luis Obispo County. A Tourism District will provide economic benefit to lodging
establishments, tourism related businesses, SLOCVCB, and the local jurisdictions in
San Luis Obispo County.
Please take this letter of support for the countywide Tourism Business Improvement
District under consideration. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Apple Farm Inn & Trellis Court
Name of Lodging Property (printed)
O *red—
wnetiv
eae N e (printed)
ner/Re esentati nature ��
Da
Please return the completed petition to;
Kathleen Sauret
San Luis Obispo County VCB
811 EI Capitan Way, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Fax: (805)543-9498
12/18/2006 22:36 8055439498 SLOCVCB PAGE 05
AWMLNT 4
Petition to Establish the
San Luis Obispo County Tourism Business Improvement District
Dear City Council:
Our lodging property, in coordination with the San Luis Obispo County Visitors &
Conference Bureau (SLOCVCB), supports the proposal to establish a Tourism
Business Improvement District in San Luis Obispo County,
A Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) will enable us to establish an
adequate and stable funding source to promote San Luis Obispo County as a tourism
destination for year-round travel. We support the proposal of an assessment of I% per
occupied room per night.
The Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) is proposed for the County of San
Luis Obispo's unincorporated areas and the Cities of Atascadero, Arroyo Grande,
Grover Beach, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles and Pismo Beach.
We understand these funds will be used exclusively for the tourism industry promotion
in San Luis Obispo County. A Tourism District will provide economic benefit to lodging
establishments, tourism related businesses, and the local jurisdictions in San Luis
Obispo County.
Please take this letter of support for the countywide Tourism Business Improvement
District under consideration. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Name of LodgingProperty (printed)
JJM I
weer epresentative Name (printed)
wner/Representative Signature
Dat
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r
ATTACHMENT 5
Promotional Coordinating Committee
Minutes
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
5:30 pm
City Hall
Council Hearing Room
990 Palm Street
CALL TO ORDER: Chair, Cate Norton 5:30 pm
PRESENT: Justice, Griffin, Nicklas, Norton, Kinney, Mclvor, Hunt Roberts
STAFF PRESENT: Brigitte Elke, Principal Administrative Analyst
PUBLIC COMMENT
Isaac Mueller from Samata Management spoke against the BID and requested to see the
questions that City staff asked the hotels.
CONSENT AGENDA
Correction to Cl:
June Mclvor will be the C=or/Justice
Ai committee instead of Diane Hunt-
Roberts
ACTION: Moved bprove the minutes from August 9, 2006 and
acce a remainder of the Consent Agenda as presented.
tion carried 7:0.
COMMITTEE & BUDGET ITEMS
1. City's Amended Conflict of Interest Code (Lowell)
City Attorney Jonathan Lowell presented the board with t uments to be filed with
the City Clerk and explained the adopted resoluti the resulting filing duty for all
Advisory Bodies.
2. Budget Goal Setting
Finance Director " tatler presented the City's Budget process and the role the
advisory b " s play in this process. The board will have to submit its promotional
goal ovember 1, 2006. It was decided that the goal setting session be placed on
agenda for October 11, 2006. s�
i TACHM ENT 5
3. Discussion of Recommendation to the City Council regarding a resolution to
form a countywide tourism business district
Hunt-Roberts raised a question as to whether the hotel research revealed anything
new and where the other cities in the County stand on the issue.
Elke explained that the research stands at a status quo and Jonni Biaggini reiterated
the BID laws and the BID situation statewide. She also mentioned that only
Atascadero has the BID agendized for its council meeting in October.
Mclvor/Kinney motioned to recommend to Council to pass a resolution to allow the
countywide BID vote. Motion carried 7:0
MARKETING OBJECTIVES
1. Tourism Marketing Plan — discussion of sugges isions
Griffin pointed out the various areas in rent plan that need revision and updates.
Hunt-Roberts would like to se recreational pieces that have grown in the city
better recognized. stressed the importance of sports and bringing special
events tot . The target audience should include families and tie in with new
fe ike the Children Museum and the Damon Garcia sports fields.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Grants In Aid
The board assigned the organization liaisons. The updat , including the
respective liaisons, will be distributed with the n enda.
2. Marketing Subcommitt
The September ng was cancelled. The next Marketing Subcommittee meeting is
scheduled f ctober 3, 2006. Nicklas asked for the starting time to be changed to
12:30 . he subcommittee members agreed to the time change and the contractors
e available.
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Advertising `
Maggie Cox presented the scheduled ads in Travel & Leisure, Sunset
Magazine and Escape and all pcoming email newsletter and email blast. She
also reported on ho upancy and room rates comparing July 2005 with July 2006.
Occupan own, as room rates show a slight increase.
�2_-3 9
i
ATTACHMENT 5
2. Public Relations
Lindsey presented the new PR plan. The CD they have been working-en-is waiting for
the b-roll to be edited in order to be ready for mailing.
Norton asked whether all PR efforts are se email. Lindsey confirmed, but
mentioned that they usually send o and copy to travel writers as well.
The Chamber are cu y working on the survey to visitors. 28 surveys were dropped
off randomly d town and 1,000 surveys were sent out to different visitor lists.
The ne maps were distributed and several travel writers have visited San Luis
O . o.
3. Visitor Center
Lindsey reported that visitors to the c own from last year, but up from July
2006. The new direc center, Grace Allen, is taking a more sale oriented
appro as reorganized the center accordingly.
4. Visitors and Conference Bureau
Jonni Biaggini presented the invitations and baseball-like cards t ere used for the
events targeting meeting planners. The cards feature coun otels with their
meeting/conference facilities related statistics. The i was very well received by both
participants and invitees.
The newspaper insert "Californi ' entral Coast Escapes" will be placed in 500,000
newspapers. Last year it rated 5,000 responses.
Jonnie also re ed that Winecountry.com will be in town and that, through a mishap
at the ma ine, Travel and Leisure will feature a full page ad for the price of a half-
page an Luis Obispo was also featured in a two
article in the German
gazine "Gala".
PCC LIASON REPORTS
Hunt-Roberts received a call from a County band, but was never called back to
discuss the pu of the call.
PCC COMMUNICATIONS
A thank-you letter from the Gay and Lesbian a of the Central Coast was passed
around. The alliance thanked t i tee for the grant support of its Central Coast Pride
Week.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm to the October 11, 2006 meeting.
2-y �
ATTACHMENT 6
ORDINANCE NO. , Ej
m I�u __.
Tl
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY
OF SAN LUIS OBISPO ESTABLISHING THE SAN LUIS OBISPO
COUNTY TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (SLOCTBID),
FIXING THE BOUNDARIES THEREOF, PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY OF
A BUSINESS ASSESSMENT TO BE PAID BY HOTEL BUSINESSES IN
SUCH DISTRICT
The Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo does
ordain as follows:
Section 1. (a) On , 2007, the Board of
Supervisors of the County of San Luis Obispo adopted Resolution No.
entitled, "A Resolution of the Board of Supervisors of the County of
San Luis Obispo Declaring It's Intention to Establish the.San Luis Obispo
County Tourism Business Improvement District (SLOCTBID), Declaring It's
Intention to Levy an Assessment on Hotel Businesses within such District
for Fiscal Year 2007-08, and Fixing the Time and Place of a Public
Meeting and a Public Hearing Thereon and Giving Notice Thereof'..
(b) Said Resolution No. was published and copies
thereof were duly mailed and posted, all as provided by said law and said
Resolution No.
(c) Pursuant to said Resolution No. a public meeting
concerning the formation of said district was held before the Board of Supervisors
of the County of San Luis Obispo on 2007 at 9:00 a.m..in the Board
Chambers of the County of San Luis Obispo.
(d) Pursuant to said Resolution No. a public hearing
concerning the formation of said district was held before the Board of Supervisors
Draft Ordinance REVISED 12-13-06 Page 1
ATTACHMENT 6
of the County of San Luis Obispo on 2007 at 9:00 a.m. in the Board
Chambers of the County of San Luis Obispo.
(e) All written and oral protests made or filed were duly heard,
evidence for and against the proposed action was received, and a full, fair and
complete hearing was granted and held.
(f) The Board of Supervisors determined that there was no majority
protest within the meaning of Section 36525 of the law. A majority protest is
defined as written protests received from owners of businesses in the proposed
area which will pay fifty percent (50%) or more of the assessments proposed to
be levied. Protests are weighted based on the assessment proposed to be levied
on each hotel business. For purposes of the initial formation of the district, the
proposed assessment to be levied was calculated based on the assessment rate
multiplied by the most recent available data for the lodging businesses rental
revenue.
(g) Following such hearing; the Board of Supervisors hereby finds
that the hotel businesses lying within the district herein created, in the opinion of
the Board, will be benefited by the expenditures of funds raised by the
assessment or charges proposed to be levied hereunder.
(h) Pursuant to said law, the San Luis Obispo County Tourism
Business Improvement District (SLOCTBID) is hereby established in the County
of San Luis Obispo and the cities of Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Grover Beach,
Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and San Luis Obispo, as herein set forth
and that all hotel businesses in the district established by this ordinance shall be
subject to any amendments made hereafter to said law or to other applicable
laws.
Section 2. The County Code is hereby amended by enacting,
adopting and adding thereto Chapter 3.09 in Title 3. Chapter 3.09 is hereby
added to the.County Code to read as follows:
Draft Ordinance REVISED 12-13-06 Page 2
�-yam
ATTACHMENT 6
Title 3, Chapter 3.09
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
3.09.010. TITLE. This ordinance shall be known as the "San Luis
Obispo County Tourism Business Improvement District Ordinance of the County
of San Luis Obispo."
3.09.020. DEFINITIONS. (1) "Advisory board" shall mean the
advisory board appointed by the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors,
pursuant to this chapter.
(2) "District' shall mean the San Luis Obispo County Tourism Business
Improvement District or SLOCTBID created by this chapter and as delineated in
Section 3.09.040.
(3) "Hotel' shall mean any structure, or any portion of any structure, which is
occupied or intended or designed for occupancy by transients for dwelling,
lodging or sleeping purposes, and includes any hotel, motel, bed and breakfast,
or vacation home and pays Transient Occupancy Tax. For purposes of this
ordinance the definition of"hotel' shall not include RV Parks.
(4)" Law" shall mean the Business and Improvement Area Law of 1989, California
Streets and Highways Code Sections 36500 to 36551, as amended.
(5) "San Luis Obispo County Tourism Business Improvement District' or
"SLOCTBID" means the district created by this chapter as a business
improvement district pursuant to the Parking and Business Improvement.Area
Law of 1989.
(6) "San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau" or "SLOCVCB"
means the San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau, Inc., a
California nonprofit mutual benefit corporation.
(7) "Operator" means the person who is the proprietor of the hotel, whether in the
Draft Ordinance REVISED 12-13-06 Page 3
ATTACHMENT 6
capacity of owner, lessee, sublessee, mortgagee in possession, licensee or any
other capacity. Where the operator performs his functions through a managing
agent of any type or character other than an employee, the managing agent shall
also be deemed an operator for the purposes of this chapter and shall have the
same duties and liabilities as his principal. Compliance with the provisions of this
chapter by either the principal of the managing agent shall, however, be
considered to be compliance by both.
(8) "Transient' means any person who exercises occupancy or who is entitled to
occupancy, by reason of concession, permit, right of access, license, or other
agreement for a period of thirty (30) consecutive calendar days or less, counting
portions of calendar days as full days.
3.09.030. AUTHORIZED-USES. This ordinance is made and
enacted pursuant to the provisions of the Parking and Business Improvement
Area Law of 1989 (Sections 36500, et. seq., of the Streets and Highways Code)
(the "law"). The purpose of forming the district as a business improvement area
under the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989 is to provide
revenue to defray the costs of services, activities and programs promoting
tourism which will benefit the operators of hotels in the district through the
promotion of scenic, recreational, cultural and other attractions in the district as a
tourist destination. It is the intent of this chapter to provide a supplemental
source of funding for the promotion of tourism in the district and it is not intended
to supplant any other existing sources of revenues which may be used by any
City or the County of San Luis Obispo for the promotion of tourism. The specific
services, activities and programs to be provided by the district are as follows:
A. The general promotion of tourism within the district is to include
costs as specified in the business plan to be adopted annually;
B. The marketing of conference, group, and film business that
benefits local tourism and the local hotel industry in the district;
Draft Ordinance REVISED 12-13-06 Page a
412-
i ATTACHMENT 6
C. The marketing of the district to the travel industry in order to
benefit local tourism and the local hotel industry in the district.
3.09.040. BOUNDARIES. The boundaries of the SLOCTBID shall
be the boundaries of the County of San Luis Obispo including the
unincorporated area of the County and the incorporated cities of Arroyo Grande,
Atascadero, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and San
Luis Obispo as shown on the attached map (Exhibit A).
3.09.050. LEVY OF ASSESSMENT AND EXEMPTIONS. The
SLOCTBID will include all hotel businesses located within the SLOCTBID
boundaries. The assessment shall be levied on all hotel businesses, existing
and future, within the County of San Luis Obispo based upon one percent (1%)
of the rent charged by the operator per occupied room per night for all transient
occupancies. The assessment will be collected monthly, based on one percent
(1%) of the rent charged by the operator per occupied room per night in
revenues for the previous month. New hotel businesses within the boundaries
will not be exempt from the levy of assessment authorized by Section 36531 of
the law. Assessments pursuant to the SLOCTBID shall not be included in gross
room rental revenue for purpose of determining the amount of the transient
occupancy tax. Extended stays of more than thirty (30) consecutive calendar
days shall be exempt from the levy of assessment. No assessment shall be
imposed upon occupancies of any federal officer or employee when on official
business nor on occupancies of any officer or employee of a foreign government
who is exempt by reason of express provision of federal law or international
treaty.
3.09.060. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ASSESSMENT. All of the
assessments imposed pursuant to this chapter shall be reviewed by the Board of
Supervisors annually, based upon the annual report prepared by the advisory
board appointed pursuant to this chapter and Sections 36530 and 36533 of the
Draft Ordinance REVISED 12-13-06 Page 5
"Q-`,�s"
ATTACHMENT.6
law. After approval of the annual report the Board of Supervisors shall follow the
hearing process as outlined in Section 36534 of the law._ At the public hearing the
Board of Supervisors shall hear and consider all protests. If written protests are
received from hotel businesses in the district paying fifty percent.(50%) percent of
more of the annual assessment, no further proceedings to continue the levy of
assessments shall take place. The protests shall be weighted based upon the
annual assessment for the prior year by each hotel business.
3.09.070. IMPOSITION-OF ASSESSMENT. The Board of
Supervisors hereby levies and imposes and orders the collection of an additional
assessment to be imposed upon hotel businesses in the district described above,
which shall be calculated pursuant to Section 3..09.050 above. Such levy shall
begin on July 1, 2007.
3.09.080. USE.OF REVENUE. The improvements and activities to
be provided by the SLOCTBID will be funded by the levy of the assessments.
The revenue from the levy of assessments within the SLOCTBID shall not be
used to provide improvements or activities outside the SLOCTBID or for any
purpose other than the purposes specified in the resolution of intention. The
proceeds of the additional hotel business assessment shall be spent to
administer marketing and visitor programs to promote the County of San Luis
Obispo as a tourism visitor destination and to fund projects, programs, and
activities that benefit hotels within the boundaries of the district. Funds remaining
at the end of any SLOCTBID term may be used in subsequent years in which
SLOCTBID assessments are levied as long as they are used consistent with the
requirements of this Section. The Board of Supervisors of the County of San Luis
Obispo shall consider recommendations as to the use of said revenue made by
the Advisory Board created by Section 3.09.011 of this ordinance.
3.09.090. DELINQUINCY, PENALTY AND INTEREST. Any hotel
business that fails to remit any assessment imposed by this ordinance within the
Draft Ordinance REVISED 12-13-06 Page 6
ATTACHMENT 6
time required shall pay a penalty of ten percent (10%) of the amount of the
assessment in addition to the amount of the assessment. Any hotel business that
fails to remit any delinquent remittance on or before a period of thirty (30) days
following the date on which the remittance first became delinquent shall pay a
second delinquency penalty of ten percent (10%) of the amount of the
assessment and the ten percent (10%) penalty first imposed. In addition to the
penalties imposed, any hotel business that fails to remit any assessment imposed
by this ordinance shall pay interest at the rate of one-half(1/2) of one percent
(1%) per month or fraction thereof on the amount of the assessment, exclusive of
penalties, from the date on which the remittance first became delinquent until
paid. Any delinquency, penalty and interest fees collected from a hotel business
due to delinquency shall go to the City or County in which the hotel business is
located.
3.09.010. ADVISORY BOARD. An Advisory Board comprised of
nine (9) members is hereby created to carry out the functions of an advisory
board under Section 36530 of the law. The members of the Advisory Board may
be nominated by SLOCVCB, subject to the approval of the Board of Supervisors.
All nominees must be operators of hotels within the district, or employed by the
operator of such a hotel. The initial members of the advisory board shall serve
staggered terms, with four members serving a one-year term, and five members
serving a two-year term. The length of the term for each individual member of the
initial advisory board shall be chosen by lot at the first meeting of the advisory
board. Thereafter, all members subsequently appointed to the advisory board
shall serve for two-year terms. Members of the Advisory Board shall serve at the
pleasure of the Board of Supervisors and may be removed by the Board of
Supervisors at any time: The Advisory Board shall advise the Board of
Supervisors on the amount of the Area's Assessments and on the services,
programs, and activities to be funded by the Assessments, and shall perform
Draft Ordinance REVISED 12-13-06 Page 7
117
i
ATTACHMENT 6
such other duties as required by the law, including preparing the Annual Report
required by Section 36530 of the law.
3.09.011. COLLECTION, ENFORCEMENT AND
ADMINISTRATIVE FEES. Each.City and the County shall be
entitled to charge an amount equal to its actual costs of collection and
administration when there may be extraordinary collection and enforcement costs
and other related unforeseeable costs. The City and County may retain actual
collection costs not to exceed two percent (2%) of the assessments collected
from operators of hotel businesses within their jurisdiction as an administrative
fee to defer the administrative costs incurred for the operation of the district.
Each City and the County shall be responsible for the collection and enforcement
of assessments from hotel businesses within theirjurisdictional boundaries. Each
City and the County shall keep any additional collection fees, penalty fees, and
interest collected associated with collections or actions due to nonpayment of
assessments. Assessments will be collected in monthly installments or such
other installments as determined by the Board of Supervisors. All assessments
collected by any City, shall be transferred to the San Luis Obispo County Tax
Collector within fifteen (15) days following collection of the Assessment by the
applicable City. The San Luis Obispo County Tax Collector shall transfer all
assessments, less the aforementioned initial administrative fee, to the San Luis
Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau within thirty (30) days following
collection of the assessment by the applicable city and the county. The County
and SLOCVCB shall enter into a contract for the expenditure of such funds by the
SLOCVCB for the services, activities and programs authorized for the district.
(Ord. (part))
3.09.013. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, sentence,
clause or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or
unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such
Draft Ordinance REVISED 12-13-06 Page 8
4 ���
ATTACHMENT 6
decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the ordinance.
The Board of Supervisors hereby declares that it would have passed this
ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase hereof,
irrespective of the fact that any one or more of the sections, subsections,
sentences, clauses or phrases hereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
3.09.014. MODIFICATION OR.DISESTABLISHMENT. The
County, by ordinance, may modify the provisions of this chapter and may
disestablish the district or parts of the district, after adopting a resolution of
intention to such effect. Such resolution shall describe the proposed change or
changes, or indicate that it is proposed to disestablish the area, and shall state
the time and place of a hearing to be held by the Board of Supervisors to
consider the proposed action. If the operators of hotels which pay fifty percent
(50%) or more of the assessments in the district file a petition with the Clerk of
the Board requesting the Board of Supervisors to adopt a resolution of intention
to modify or disestablish the district, the Board of Supervisors shall adopt such
resolution and act upon it as required by law. Signatures on such petition shall be
those of a duly authorized representative of the operators of hotels in the district.
In the event the resolution proposes to modify any of the provisions of this
chapter, including changes in the existing assessments or in the existing
boundaries of the district, such proceedings shall terminate if protest is made by
the operators of hotels which pay fifty percent (50%) or more of the assessments
in the district, or in the district as it is proposed to be enlarged.
In the event the resolution proposes disestablishment of the district, the Board of
Supervisors shall disestablish the district; unless at such hearing, protest against
disestablishment is made by the operators of hotels paying fifty percent (50%) or
more of the assessments in the district.
In the event that a City that has given consent to the formation of the district
decides to withdraw said consent, the County shall no longer operate the district
Draft Ordinance REVISED 12-13-06 Page 9
2-y9
ATTACHMENT 6
— - — --
within that City. The levy shall terminate within the City's boundaries at the time
of the next annual renewal. The district would be renewed as modified without
the City that has withdrawn its' consent.
3.09.015. EFFECTIVE DATE. The Clerk of the Board shall certify
to the passage of this ordinance by the Board of Supervisors and cause it to be
posted in three conspicuous places in the County of San Luis Obispo, and it shall
take effect on the thirty-first day after it is approved by the Board.
Introduced and first read at a public hearing of the Board of
Supervisors on the_th day of , 2007, and thereafter
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a public meeting before the Board of
Supervisors on the—t' day of , 2007,
By the following vote, to wit:
Ayes: Supervisors:
Noes: Supervisors:
Absent: Supervisors:
Clerk of the Board
Draft Ordinance REVISED 12-13-06 Page 10
2 -ted
ATTACHMENT 7
RESOLUTION NO. (2007 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
CONSENTING TO THE COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIATING THE STEPS
NECESSARY TO FORM THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY TOURISM BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (SLOCTBID)
WHEREAS, the County of San Luis Obispo is beginning the process to establish a San Luis
Obispo County Tourism Business Improvement District (SLOCTBID) pursuant to the Parking and
Business Improvement Area Law of 1989, Streets and Highways Code Section 36500 et seq., to
promote tourism to San Luis Obispo County; and
WHEREAS, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors has requested consent of the
cities of Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and San
Luis Obispo to allow lodging establishments in their jurisdictions to participate in the process; and
WHEREAS, there are administrative issues regarding collection and remittance of funds to
be resolved and included in the County's final ordinance relating to the SLOCTBID; and
WHEREAS, not withstanding these remaining issues, the City of San Luis Obispo has
determined it appropriate to allow its local lodging industry to decide on the formation of a
countywide Tourism Improvement District;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
that it consents to the County of San Luis Obispo proceeding with the necessary steps to form the
SLOCTBID and that such consent may be withdrawn by the City Council if the City and the County
cannot reach agreement on their respective roles in the collection and remittance of SLOCTBID
funds by the City.
Upon motion of seconded by
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this day of 2007.
Mayor David F. Romero
Resolution No. (200x Series)
Page.2
ATTEST:
Audrey Hooper
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Jo . Lowell
City Attorney
� rsa
Page 1 of 1
Settle Allen
From: Nipool Patel [nipool@gmail.com] Sent: Mon 1/8'2007 7:50 PM
To: Romero, Dave; Settle,Allen; Carter,Andrew; Mulholland, Christine; Brown, Paul RECEIVED
Cc:
Subject: BID JAN 0910207
Attachments:
SLO CITY CLERK
Mayor and Council,
I would like you to all know that the Comfort Inn and Suites is in full support of the Business Improvement District. I think that we need to do
something to stay competitive with our neighboring counties and the rest of California. As you may already know, Monterey County now has a BID as
of]an 1st. They now have a $4million budget. Santa Barbara also has a much larger budget than we do to market their city. The BID is the one tool
we have that will work to stay competitive. This is not a new idea with in the state and any other county/city that has adopted the BID with its lodging
properties has increased revenue with occupancy and/or average daily rate.
What we are asking for is to let US the OWNERS of the hotels/motels decide if we want to self asses ourselves. Please let us go thru that democratic
process and show that the majority of lodging owners want the BID.
Thank you all for taking the time to read this email and for doing the job that you do for the city.
Nipool Patel
Comfort Inn &Suites Lamplighter
1604 Monterey Street,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
www.comfortinnslo.com A� �a
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RED FILE IAN 0A, ?Vf.
- MEETING AGENDA SLO CITY CLERK
DATIE-�-ITEM #-2#2.
&9ry 3, 007
an I uls Obispo Chamber of Commerce
1039 Chorro Street • San Luis Obispo, California 93401-3278 ®'COUNCIL at-COD DIP
(805) 781-2777 . FAX (805) 543-1255 RFCAO VEIN DIP
David E. Garth, President/CEO 5rACA0 It FIRECH1EF
RATTORNEY fry PW BIR
Mayor Dave Romero and Members of the City Council WCLERK CRIG f�f POLICE CHF
City of San Luis Obispo ❑ DEPT HEADS AEC DIR
990 Palm St. Ga 24a G'UTIL OR
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San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 'r eac"+"
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Re: Item PH 2, Council Meeting of Jan. 9, Formation of a Countywide Tourism
Business Improvement District
Dear Mayor Romero and Council Members,
The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has recommended a
neutral position on the issue of a countywide tourism business improvement district. We
do not, however, recommend that you approve a resolution of consent at this time.
A number of our members have expressed concern about the lack of concrete information
regarding the policies and procedures that would be enacted should the BID be formed.
In response to these questions,the VCB board met and formulated a draft policy
document, post-BID. This was distributed to us and other chambers on December 21. The
response we have received so far indicates that more time is needed to adequately
evaluate the information. With the intervening holidays, there has been minimal
opportunity for organizational or individual response.
We request that you wait to take action on the resolution for two weeks, until the Council
meeting of Jan. 23. During this time, our members in the lodging industry will continue
to seek out detailed information about the proposal. As one member put it, "I think the
Chamber, on behalf of the many members that will be affected, should ask that this be
postponed a minimum of two weeks to give time to review and comment on the draft
policy."
Thank you for considering our position on this matter.
cerely,
(fit-►'Z�
Jeff ckingham
Chairperson of the Board
Cc: Shelly Stanwyck, Assistant CAO
email: slochamber@slochamber.org • websites: www.slochamber.org www.visitslo.com
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ti"
r�
ban Luis Obispo's Brat bigele Boulevard Dedicated
DEDICJRION CEREMONY IN MEMORY OF shared roadway concept(the
FORMER SLO CRY COUNCILMAN BILL operation of a local street r
ROALMAN is modified to function as a
through-street exclusively
On Thursday October 7th,San Luis Obispo for bicycles)while
officially dedicated its first bicycle boulevard �n IIg local access
y �' for automobiles.Traffic-
on Morro Street in memory of former calming devices reduce
City Councilman Brill Roalman. The late traffic speeds and through
Councilman was a loved bicycle advocate who trips Traffic controls limit
not only talked the talk but also rode the bike. conflicts between motorists
About 60 people attended the ceremony and bicyclists,and give
The idea for the bicycle boulevard has been priority to through-bicycle a'.-
around for a long time,however the project movement.
gained momentum in 1999 when the City Advantages Of Bicycle
Council supported changes to Osos Street and
Santa Barbara Street Boulevards
Morro Street is the fust of several potential • Opportunity- SLO Pablicttorla tlirettorM�McIbskey with the City Coand
bicycle boulevards in the city and will be Traditional street grids offer many feel comfortable on arterials and
watched closely to gage its popularity. The miles of local streets that can be prefer to ride . rawer traffic
bicycle boulevard makes an important link converted to bicycle boulevards. volume streets.
for cyclists traveling from the Railroad Safety Bicycle boulevards can improve
Trail to downtown SLO. Cyclists can now Low cost-Major costs are for traffic tconditions for pedestrians,with
cross the Jennifer Street Bridge,ride to the control and traffic-calming devices. reduced traffic and improved
end of Morro Street and cross to the bicycle • Traffic-calming techniques are crossings.
boulevard with a newly installed traffic increasingly favored by residents
signal. Morro Street itself has been blocked who want slower traffic on source.,Federal fthway Admisistration
off to through traffic with a new pocket park neighborhood streets. Here at the bicycle coalition,we cant wait
and bicycle path When fully complete the • for the Morro Street Bicycle Boulevard to be
bicycle boulevard w>Il be complemented with Bicycle travel on local streets is fuffiy completed and set the bar for not only
flipped stop signs,new signage,and pavement usually compatible with local land San Luis Obispo,but for the entire County!
stencils.
Bicycle boulevards aren't a new idea,however, Bicycle boulevards may attract new
the bicycle boulevard is a refinement of the or inexperienced cyclists who do not
The Makings of a Bicycle Boulevard..
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PAGE 6 THE SPOKEN WHEEL
41
fi-Q�I ?,aoy
THEJPRIBUNESANI.u1sOnlsrocoM LOCAL WEDNESDAY, OCTOEEA 6, 20<
BI T U A R I E S Ataseadero the street enhancements will come to Downtown igns and The timeline for Improv
help pinpoint the city's center. palm trees as possible future ments.stretehes out two year
From Page III 'People need a mental Pic- improvements. Work to add sidewalks,ligl
lure,"Martin said."I think the The city's plans similarly fte ing and street furniture
there's really not as nice:m am- improvements down already cos on attracting shoppers with Sunken Gardens will begin a
.' bience in Ataseadero,"Luna and the ones planned for an easy,appealing stroll from ly next year,and Kahn said 0
said."We want to change that." Sunken Gardens and then the Century Plaza to the police sta- city is hoping to build the Lea
Efforts to revive and redefine future commercial construction tion. Avenue bridge in summer 20C
Y - the Sleepy and sometimes activity in the Century Plaza "We're proposing to extend Improvements on El Cama
dowdy downtown into an ener- area will really help create a improvements throughout from Entrada to East Ma
{,' h getic.peclestriaodriendly area sense of place for downtown." dovrntown,"said Kahn,who is would be done sometime fro:
are not new.Several years ago, Frankie Umberbs has owned also the city's public works di- 2005 to 2006.Kahn said.
4 the city created a downtown re" Frankie's Deficatessen on En- rector."The City Council ap- Diane Howard, who owt
vitalization plan to perk up the trada Avenue for a year and a proved streetscope furniture to Morjesi s Salon oh Entrada,sa
area between Highway 41 and half.She thinks downtown is use the same type of benches, she hopes the city also will e
Rosario Avenue, heading in the right direction lights, urns and treatments tend improvements:off I
That vision has been difficult but said more needs to be done throughout downtown to create Camino Real and further do%
to realize—partly because to"bring some attention and some type of continuity." side streets such as Entrac
bars Zaremba Francis O'Connell even longtime residents are un- some noise"to the area. Luna said he envisions some- and Traffic Way.
clear of the boundaries of "I think people want to come thing similar to downtown Paso 9'd like to see more peep
ra Ann Zaremba,69,of Francis R.O'Connell.79,or "downtown Ataseadero." down here;there's just really Robles,where a theater,park walking around,"Howard sai!
3rande,died Sunday,Oct. San Luis Obispo,passed away Steve Martin,executive di, nothing that says'Come on and bevy of restaurants beckon "I like what they've done,(aqc
Sunday,Oct.3,2004. _ rector of the city's Main Street down'"Umbertis said. nearby residents—including I'd just like to see it mot
ay smite will be held at A memorial smite will he held Association,said he believes She suggested flags,"Wel- many from Ataseadero. spread out."
'riday,at St.Paul's at I I a.m:Oct.11,at the Congre- '
Church in Pismo Beach gational Church,11245 Los Osos _
immediately by a memo- Valley Road in San Luis Obispo.
Francis was bom Aug.27,1925, Paramedic "We have the money,"the 100 percent of the time."I In May,former South Be
•of flowers,memorials in Suffern.N.Y.,the son of Frank petition states."There is no Without the additional per- Fire Chief Bruce Picker,
nude to the American and Gabrielle O'Connell.l le at- From Page Bl reason not to." sonnel, CDF/County Fire spearheaded a campaign
ociety,Atm:Breast Can- tendal.school in New fork and up-.- Daniela Arnon of Los Osos would be able to provide that triple the fire tax to$150.p<
uch.1428 Phillips Lane, on gmduationjoined the U.S. The district board decided signed the petition,saying she coverage only 80 percent of the .home. Voters rejected th7
.San Luis Obispo,CA Marine Corps during World War 11, earlier this year to contract agrees that emergency ser- time,he said. measure,which would
stationed in the Pacific theater. with CDF to save money.The vices are a priority. County Etre Chief Dan Turn- raised-an additional half a rni
Francis moved to California in services district's property tax "I definitely think that if we er noted that CDF is currently lion dollars a year.
Iv Family Mortuary - 1955 and worked in the film indus- revenue wasn't enough to have it in our budget and this keeping four people on staff at The smaller fire tax increas
and Crematory try for many years.I Ie retired in maintain South B;ry Fire's am- town has needed it_let's keep all times'at the South Bay sta- being considered Thfirsda
489.4717 1987 from Disney Studio in Bra. bitious level of service. it that way,"she said. tion until the board makes its 'would generate$150,000 a yea
Arroyo Grande bank.Ile met F.Ivahcah Brodrick. At the Baywood Park Farm- Margelson added that peti- decision. of added revenue,accotdingt
and they reamed Sept.25.1954,at ers Market on Monday, tions are"going out all over District General Manager a report to the board.III wool
the Little Brown Church in the Val- Richard Margetson, Jerri town.' Bruce Buel said that the major cost,-al most,about$70)er sit
)E AT H
ley in North Ilollrsw d.They Walsh and Keith Swanson. "the biggest thing is simul- decision Thursday will be gle-family home.
lived in Tanana and Wmdland were collecting signatures on a taneous calls,"he said."You whether to hire another para-Flifis until their move to Sm Luis engineer and medic now or wait until afteP a Lindsay Christians coven Lo
T I C E S petition that asked the Los Os- can now break an
Obispo in 1989. os board to use reserves im- a paramedic off in one direc- vote on the proposed fire tax Oras for the Tribune..She can
H—Freddie Bunch, Francis was a rooms menthes of PDflt
mediately to keep four tion and have equal coverage increase.That plan could go be reached of lrhristianse
o Robles,died Tuesda}•, the San Luis Obispo Golf and Punt Medics. to two calls at the same time, before voters by March. fribunenews.com.
04,at his home. Country Club.Ile was also a mcm. h r
ems are under the di- ber of the SLO RAMS branch No.
Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral '7,American Legion fast 66,Elk.,
'ase Robles. _ LodCorps ea hlnnscCoa%u\larmr CountyRoundup Suspects sought in alleged°
Corps League 6R0,C'n:uulans•
—Susan Krusi Dyke, Porsche Club;Basin Streit Regu-
JyoGrande.died ather lars.and D.A.D.(Dine and Danec): San Luis Obispo kidnap robbery
:day.Oct.5,2004. I le also visited weekly as a Yoke- S s N Luis O a I s P O ham streets. _ r
fellow and was a Caring Caller file.
:nts arc under the di- p 9 12oalman earned a reputa- The Sheriffs De Obispo. the)
Mort Berman for several ycvs.I Ic FUbile input sought and woman
n San'Luis Obis When[h
Wheeler-Smith Murtu- tion as a staunch me in Amen- g p.m.. Perrysaid,
also creed as o down volunteer looking for a man and woman left after 3
Luis Obispo. alta on open space policy talist during his time in public who all ed y
for the Special Olympics eg ly robbed and kid- Henle drove to a remote loco
Ile will be sorrly missed 65 his workshop designed to et office and used his bike to napped
ING—George W. P gr, g Pspo on
in rural San on. tion, took out a gun.threat•
family and friends for his positive Athe public talking about Het to many campaign events. Obispo on Sunday ahernoon. enrd the victim and his family.
2.of Santa Maria,died He died in 2002 at thea a of
4., animJe,sense of humor and his 'Sart Luis Obispo's opcn space g Larry"J.R"Henley Jr..J29, and demanded his mon and
ha.er the di ectioArrange- care for when. and conservation policies will 49 after serving on the City. and Kell Betterton.32,are money
miler the direction of D Pe b'•
Y person ro r
/alley Mortuary. Francis is survived by his loving beheld at 7 p.m.today. Council from 1989 to 1998, homeless but have been seen The victim—whose name
wIli:of 45 years.Liz;daughters.- Air and water quality,open The trail that bears his in San Luis Obispo and the officials would,not release
e—Joseph Charles Carrie Sims of San Luis Obispo space and habitat preserva- name cuts through the south South County,Sgt.Tony Perry Tuesday,saying it could harm
and Joyce on loll)ayswd Fla.; don are among the topics to end of Morro Street,near said:Henley is described as their investigation—jumped
27,Oct.3. 0 Grande, sons Lvam of CanogaPark and Santa Barbara Street
rya ct.3.^_004,at At- be discussed by members of white,6-toot3 and 200 pounds from the moving car but was
Roben of Sconsdale.Ariz;sister- the PlanningMorro Street has been
le encs wei n der the in-law,Lucia Brodrick of St. Commission and with shaved brown hair.blur not hurt,officials reported.
•ements are under the the public as Sag Luis Obis- closed to cars to make way eyes and mliltiple'tattoos.Bet- Henley and Betterton took
.George,Utah;and grandchildren, for the"Bill Roalman Bicycle terton is said to be white.S an undisclosed amount of more
f Coast Family Cre- po's long-range open space ry
vice of tion Luis Obis. �elll. Danielle and Lauren O'Con' plan is reshaped. Boulevard"al that intersec- foo[-7 and 130 pounds with e-v and property from the man.
The family would like to thunk The meeting in the tion.A new traffic light was long blond hair and hazel eyes. Perry said.
Hospice Partners for the loving and City/County Library's Cone also added at the Railroad Authorities believe they are The man Bagged down a
'HI—Hiro Tabuchi, compassionate care given to Fran. munity Room is the first in a Transportation Center. traveling in Henley's Cham- passing vehicle and was picked
w
+Robles,died Tuesday, cis the last remonths.Also, series of public workshops on Refreshments will be Pagne-colored 1990s-model up by the driver.He notified
W,at home.Arrange- thanks to the loving sufl'at Casa the new plan.For more infor- served,and parking will be Honda Accord with a cracked authorities soon after.
order the direction of de Amigos for the past nso ss ecks. mation,call 781-7172 or visit available in the Regional windshield. Anyone with further infor-
May Funeral Home of Donations may he made in his ww•w'slocity.org. Transportation lot on Santa Perry said Henley and Bet. mation about this case is asked
's name to Hospice Partner.277 Barbara.For more details, terton arrived at the victim's to call 7814550 or Crime Stop
South St.,Suite R,San Luis Oho- SAN LUIS O s I S P O visit wavw.slocity.org, home in the 65W block of Ed- pen at 549-STOP(7867).
po,CA 93401. Trail to be dedicated —Leslie Gnffy as Road to give him a ride to —Laurie Phillips
[T U A R Y to former councilman
J L I C Y Did we make a mistake? A new bike path will be
dedicated in memory of for.
home oblhmrieb are The Tribune is committed to .mer San Luis Obispo City
7y the alaseNled quality journalism and wants to Councilman Bill Roalmain at G�O
1::t0P.M.Thursday at the tor- E"r"rte acrsin�
gl9epartmpd.They correct its errors.If you believe P '-'uw+ ,
led by iia Ilse and an error has been made,call ner of Santa Barbara and Up-
•
profseld• Managing Editor Tad Weber at , Free Topping!
'name etch m Prunes 781-7906.Corrections and clarr I - - rsomnnrrarwns appy)
term may be Included :1Jirrtise t rhe cuunrvs I,nxrst �_,
ammw fes fications will in most cases be ! CLASSIFIED tuades ers edited lir � Published in the sections where � j i
l
spy�aM taste the story origineGy appeared.
is atxesalble on me 544-SELL _ " •�'.F
r.._._.._.__.... _. _. _._._. _
"nM,Annl,le„n nr„n � Y 1
'The Prez Sez...
*003 was an exciting 2nd fall year for this walkers, and joggers. Explain to them the
County's Bike Coalition. The addition of Joe ., AW.10
imports= of johibig, and provide them theGil&as the Executive Director has provided membership form from thio newsletter, or
us with an active and vocal representative spaintthemtowa dwwwslcbikelane.argWhetein our communities. Jot put his youth and they can print one oat.If each of you took the
willingness to work immediately, ro'ing 2DDfikv�cun
effort to introduce just one new memberup his sleeves and digging in to try to help — ' Many,we geed to increase our coffers,
confront the obstacles impeding the'Railroad Board of at 11([an 2004) and we are working on grants and binding to
Safety Trail"in San Luis Obispo.He has lent a projects.Your input regarding this focus,bath do so.Just as with membership,oar ability to
supportive voice to many projects throughout in general and specifies.will be valuable to us make ourselves heard is only,as powerful as
the county,including the successful Cambria and greatly appreciated. our resources.
Cross Town Traff. He also works daily to
build the network,alliances, and information Just before the end of ZW3 we reached 200 There are many opportunities for members
resources necassaryto makathings happen for members. In order to strengthen oar voice. to get involved, on committees. rallying to
cyclists and pedestrians. we need to add many more.It is the Board's support issues at city corneal and eouaty
set goal to significantly increase this member supervisor meetings,and by simply itdorming
In this newsletter you have been informed of in 2004,more than doubling our membership. of us your needs, and the opportunities that
numerous projects,both accomplished and in you, as a current member, are the best exist to fill them. If you haven t already done
progress. In 2004,we will work with Joe to resource for this addition.Please inform your so, please join our E-Newsletter for frequent
better define the direction for our involvement friends and family of your involvement in this updates on Coalition efforts. Thanks!
in advocacy, social action, and education orgarmtion. Talk to your fellow cyclists. —Damon Polio
PI®ntini Trees
MORRO STREET BICYCLE BOULEVARD food donated from New Frontiers on Foothill
COMMUNITYTREE PLANTUIG Blvd. The City provided drinks and cookies.
Thanks to all the volunteers who made the tree When completed in Fehrnaty or March, the
planting an the farm Morro Street Bicycle MoStreet Bicycle Boulevard will provid
ro e a «
Boulevard such a success. On each of the link to downtown forbicycles from the Jennifer
len' da s (October 26 , and November Street Bridge and the Railroad Safety Trail.
2Z°"))wwe helped to plant nearly 90 new A new traffic signal with a bicycle-crossing `
street trees! City Arborist, Ron Combs gave phase will be installed at the south end of
volunteers a short d monstiation on how to Mauro Street. This end of Morro Street will
give the trees the best treatment in their new be dosed to vehicular traffic and most of the a * a
homes before letting them loose with their
signs along the street will be switched so
shovels. Volunteers then dug holes in the that hicydes can enjoy a needy untnt"...,pied
indicated locations and mixed in fertilizer with ride into downtown Large pavement mark- l
the soil before situating the trees. Secondary ing' will be placed that indicate the street
teams of volunteers came through With pile as s bid° boulevard so that vehicles will }�
drivers and placed support poles on either be aware of the sheet's dual use. We hope
side off the trees to keep them upright To that Morro Street will be the first of marry
celebrate the completion of the planting an bicycle boulevards in San Luis Obispo County.
November 22°", the Coalition hosted a hotdog Henry SIM=and bis dad Oso dig a hole in _
roast fn Mitchell Park for the volunteers with Moan Street on Nm=bei 22nd,2003.
ne Holiday spirit
SHEfflW5 CHRISTMAS BIKE GVEAWAYA Happy r second year in a row.the Coalition was present
recipient of a 'e ss banding out helmets and bilingual'rules of the
2003 was zinother auecesshtl year fur the SLO new bi7<e and _ mad'literature to each bicycle recipent. We
County Sheriffs Department Christmas Bike hit at Um hope to get even more involved neat year.
Giveaway. Throughout the year the SberiWs SLO Sheriff a
department accepts and refurbishes donated ChAstmas Bike We have submitted a proposal to the Sheriff's
bicycles, including large numbers from may-460 e ` Dept in hopes of using our knowledge of bicy-
retailers such as Wal-Mart The bikes are bwycles were i des to insure that the program rums smoothly
then matched and given away along with a new refurbished by and help every child to get a bike that will be
helmet to needy children in SLD County just inmates and the best fit for them.
before Christmas. This year's event took place given away is
Saturday December 201,and distributed nearly SIA and Paso L' This program is a fantastic 'feel good' event
4SO bicycles to children in two county lorae Itobleal that the Sheriff s Dept should be proud of_ Let
tions. Helmetswere provided,in part by dona- i us know if you'd like to help us with the 2004
tions from individuals and a 8500 contribution
from the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club. For the
NUMBER 6,wm m Z0Q4 PAGE 3
ui-%fe.r Zoog
Tour s Route ^Peloton
AMGEN
TourofCalifomia
i
c
San Luis Obispo
41
SAN LUIS OBISPO
vn `ahr0 fnl3 a cabled 1. half:',a•; befneen Loa ! RGU}ri LnfLr n-!3t;G i•
=ngelea and San Francisco, lies a tev,n v.hose name
spells tranquilit;• Steep velvety-green hills shelter the
coastal city. v.hich ,ear-round basks in a perfect
Mediterranean marine climate of balmy days and coal
nights The streets of dov.ntov,n are lined .-Ath _hop_
and restaurants tucked into turn-of-the-20th-centur;•
mercantile building;, and its neighborhoods are
chock-a-block vAth Bassi: California bungalow:s
gleaming v.hite Spanish mission rises in the -enter of it
all, above a sparkling creek. South of tov.n, genth;
rolling vineyards give t•,ay to the beach and the sea
This is San Luis Obispo, and it's no wonder the people
here call it SLO.
t7 IF_a^ tU�= v.^.Sj.: ,c a G':, LCL'-:^e-, ef.
-.^.'%r':L n.F• tr,$'$F:re t;.,9 Arnce-, 3
P e+FeL: F'c Fo' Us. C'f eve-, ^'ea3.re trE T':Lr 3Lt+:;tic_
�3^ L..•3 tr7,5 fast xe-&rL3r", were 3yn'3R: 5u LLgs5.
Tr;e [.r•: .c e;sc; :ts Fy :_. h7o Aer;cr, r.:by .1f
^L? 3:aa�� 3^.a. _ ee,^.EL•a,�'. r11 •n;� Fv'•t:'.3'v .. ':5 -_%'n
-,Maycr Cave Romero
01/09/2007 05:40 805543 '`8 SLOCVCB PAGE 04
co
Petition to Establish the
San Luis Obispo County Tourism Businwa ImprovementDistrit:t���y`1�-fc`�
Dear City Council:
Our lodging property, In coordination with the San Luis Obispo County Visitors &
Conference Bureau (SLOCVCB),supports the proposal to establish a Tourism
Improvement District In San Luis Obispo County.
A Tourism Business Improvement District(MID)will enable us to establish an
adequate and stable funding source to promote San Luis Obispo County as a tourism
destination for year-round travel. We support the proposal of an assessment of 1% per
occupied room per night.
The Tourism Business improvement District(TBID) Is proposed for the County of San
Luis Obispo`s unincorporated areas and the Cities of Atascadem,Arroyo Grande,
Grover Beach, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles and Pismo Beach.
We understand these funds will be used exclusively for the to industry promotion
In San Luis Obispo County; A Tourism DI$Wct will provide economic benefit to lodging
establishments, tourism related businesses, SLOCVCB, and the local jurisdictions in
San Luis Obispo County.
Please take this letter of support for the countywide Tourism Business improvement .
District under consideration. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Name of Lodging Property(printed)
Owner/R®presentative Name(printed)
S4-0%r6 .
Owner/Representstive Signature Date
Please return the completed Woutton'to.
KaMieeh Sauret,
San Luis Obispo County VCB•
•811 EI Capitan Way,San Luis obispo,•CA 884ti1
Fax: (maj s43-9498
ie/10 JCd ONI 0NVj_LD 680ZLb95B8 Z1:9I L02Z/G6/L0
01/09/2007 05:40 8055430'18 SLOCVCB PAGE 03
JAN-09-2007 03:35 PM �'',_, Q, ,000009 P_.0Z
U/83/246722:16 6686 M96 g ply®
FAOE 82
PiliOn to Establish tato
80n Luis Obispo County Ttluralm Business imprmm nt District
our CRY CounciC
Aug bdghtg Property.In Q=d M%tian with the am Luis Obispo County Visitors&
Conforenoe S mattu(6LOCVCB), supports tis•propofol to telmmish a Tourism
MVICIMMM Dis O In Ban LL&Obispo County.
A Teumkm Maims Improvement DbW(TSID)VAI snob us to entwAman
adea to and stable tbmdbV source to promote fan Luis Obispo aounp►as a tourism
101611 ojm pw row tntuel We support the propoe� I of an emtmsrtt at 196 per
Far' i8
`Phe Tourism Buain•ss Irnprummem Omm(THIO) is pmpomed for the County of San
Lula Obispo's unlncorparMvd eros=and the Cities of Atetscadero,Aeoyo Grande,,
11,011" Oncr, Morro Day,I to Luis ONSM, Naso Robles and Pismo Beech
We undtrratand thOw funds win be used wMNSIV*ror the t wism industry promotion
in Sen Luta Ohlspo Caurq. A Tourism Di*M W11 provide soorromic benmM to
rasfab8shmenta, toud'sm nblatod businesses, sWOV09,and the b oW JuNsdkftmlodft
,
LLds Cftpp cm*
risme oder this k*w of support for the ccu"4%ids Tourtarn Miriam ImprovemW
DkWO undw gyration. Thank you for your ems,
&D*,
Namm ar wmfno pmpwty(��
9pr>�snta6ye Name(prfrrbsd) _ •
ep ee 0 ( RI >�
PI•aes r•Wm ttf•completed pieeton!o:
KathlsM�� .
Mt � niv Vas
Qr� �am��obbqo.CA eu"
Fm(MV moon
01/09/2007 05:40 8055430'9 SLOCVCB PAGE 02
JAH-64-2827 03:34. PM se 166600 P. 61
PAZ $1 ---`-•.
n Luis ®b'so counv 4rourkm�BVAlfl/a QViRf�
MOM
19rl 4ounotk
WmiBa y In� n rdiMom wah to'an Lu *is obCounty Vlslbors&
Ban�toai to h s Tbuhmifwd n pbh"Cumv.
equaMeasiness Imp mtft I)k*tt(TBI?)mo �,enable un to ut&W ars
ou
ac►�,a�a Id ale f umrIV souro®to promote San Lab Obispo County w a toaaien i
rwm� travel We support fire proposal of an 4888"Inent of I%per
TM TGUARM Sughm improvement Dk"d(Tell))in Propow0 for fir®
t ObisPa's unjn=q or W great and the CrT�a of CCU*of son
Morro DaY,San Luis Obbpo, Peau Rabies gg
undKOWN ftse tinde will be used e y ror the t urism lndaaetry pr,omQtbe
in eon Uft ObiSPo C00ty. A Tourtm Dlsnfct wrlil pmvido emuldc beneet b
San Luis �y"0kftd b`�' � SLc9cvcs, and on fowl liul"kdons
Fbm take a*kftr of Suppe"for the� co mvm4de Tourism 8uair
D " k ImProv®m�tt
cord , Thr&you for your UML
Lou Padres zotel
1a of Gpd�gtr► P
JAI
A/MgreaenM?ve erne(primed)
• i
a
pad
yaw l� Wa LAft Sm t.,Obbim i-
spa e<a UM
. is
RECEIVED
JAN 0 5 2007
cowotcj HEHONMDUH
SLQ CITY CLERK
DATE: January 5, 2007 RED FILE -OCCUNCIL -ETtDD DIR
MEETING AGENDA 2'CAO d?FIN DIR
TO: City Council ACRO ErFIRE CHIEF
DAT � ITEM # -ATTORNEY 2f PW DIR
FROM: Ken Hampian�A 2 CLERKl0RIG Z'POLICE CHF
Prepared by: Brigitte Elke I d DEPT N A-98 211�0 DIR
L
111'16 DIR
SUBJECT: Countywide Tourism Business Improvement District " DIR _
Item 2: Survey Information and Chamber delay request
Survey Information
As requested by the Mayor, attached is the most recent summary of San Luis Obispo hotel and
motel positions regarding the possible formation of a countywide BID. This information was
summarized in the staff report and should be considered only a snapshot in time. There has
been ongoing, daily dialogue on this matter and some positions may have changed, or will
change, by the time the Council considers the resolution of consent on January 9`h.
In terms of continued dialogue, for example, in December a draft set of proposed"post-BID"
policies were circulated. These policies were designed to answer many questions being raised by
hoteliers and others concerning management issues. On Wednesday, January 3rd, the Visitors
and Conference Bureau (VCB) Board met formally and approved its post-BID policies. On
January 4`h, the VCB Director provided the final policies to Council and staff(attached). These
policies were designed to address concerns shared by some hoteliers, and thus positions
established earlier may have changed. This leads to the second issue...
Chamber Request to Delay Action
The Chamber of Commerce has sent a letter to the Council requesting a continuance of the item
to January 23, 2007. While staff does not have any particular objection to this request, only the
Council can direct the continuance. In deciding this, staff believes that the Council should first
hear the staff and PCC presentation, and take testimony from the public. At the close of the
testimony, the Council may conclude that the major questions have been answered, and thus
action can be taken. Or, the Council may determine that more time is needed. If it is judged that
more time is needed, then the Council, VCB, hoteliers, the Chamber, City staff and others will
have the benefit of gaining a better understanding of the issue and the questions that remain.
However, if we don't complete thepresentation and take testimony, we may increase the amount
of"guesswork" between January 9` and January 23`d (and please keep in mind that the agenda
close for January 23`d is January 10th).
Between Council Action and Final Action
It should also be emphasized that after Council action on the consent resolution (whether on the
9`h or the 23`d), there will be added time for dialogue between the VCB and the industry prior to
the next step, the Board of Supervisors assessment hearing.
BID-/-9-07
Page 1 of 1
Hampian, Ken
From: Jonni Biagginijjonnib@sanluisobispocounty.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 04, 2007 6:07 PM
To: Mulholland, Christine; Romero, Dave; Carter, Andrew; Settle, Allen; Brown, Paul
Cc: Elke, Brigitte; Stanwyck, Shelly; Hampian, Ken
Subject: SLO County BID Policies
Hello SLO City Council Members:
I am forwarding to you a copy of the BID Policies document that has been approved by the SLOCVCB
Board of Directors. These are policies that will determine how the SLOCVCB will function with the
BID in place, and how non-BID municipalities and businesses will be treated. These policies were
developed under the direction of the 13-member lodging Steering Committee (attachment A). I'd be
happy to answer any questions you may have.
Jonni Biaggini
Executive Director
San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau
811 EI Capitan Way, Suite 200
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
T: 805-541-8000
F: 805-543-9498
www.SanLuisObispoCounty.com
CAUrORNJAS
Nahua)P�caPe
1/5/2007
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San Luis Obispo County
VISITORS d CONFERENCE BUREAU
San Luis Obispo County Visitors&Conference Bureau
Policy Document
Post-BID
Purpose
The mission of the San Luis Obispo County Visitors&Conference Bureau(SLOCVCB) is to actively market,
advertise and promote to the public the full range of destination assets for recreational,cultural,environmental,
business and visitor travel that are available in San Luis Obispo County. Funding for such activities has been
through a partnership with the public sectors using general fund monies, and the private sector, from
membership dues and cooperative advertising fees.
Private/Public Funding
The proposal to establish a countywide tourism Business Improvement District(BID) allows the county to
brand the region and all its assets as a premier travel destination regionally and nationally. Without substantially
increased promotion funding,the county will lose travel market share to other key competitors. The BID
would increase funding from the private sector 20 fold. It is not meant to replace funding from the public sector,
rather enhance the overall marketing dollars for the region.A public/private partnership as proposed would add
approximately$2 million in the first year through BID funds.
Key Tenets
By unanimous agreement of the 13-member countywide lodging BID Steering Committee:
• The proposed district would assess lodging businesses I%of the rate of an occupied room where
"lodging business"is defined as those paying transient occupancy tax(TOT).
• RV Parks are excluded from the BID district and assessment. RV Parks are not charged TOT uniformly
in the county, (some are charged,some are not), so as not to add to the already wide discrepancy in
taxes and fees,they have been eliminated from the district by the Steering Committee.
• The BID Advisory Board,comprised of members from the assessed lodging businesses and appointed
by the Board of Supervisors,will control how the funds are actually spent.They report to the Board of
Supervisors annually.
• The SLOCVCB Marketing committee,comprised of all categories of the tourism industry,will develop
the marketing plan for the BID Advisory Board's final approval.
• The SLOCVCB will implement the Marketing plan.
Process to Establish BID
Forming under the 1989 Parking&Business Improvement Area law, the County(Board of Supervisors) will be
the lead agency in the establishment of the countywide BID. As such,they must receive the permission from
the other cities through the resolution process to form the BID in their jurisdictions. This approval defines the
boundaries of the BID. Once completed,the County gives notice to all lodging businesses in the approved
district of the intention to form a BID and schedule the public hearing process for comment. It is through the
public hearing process that the lodging industry voices their opinion. Protest votes weighted by the amount of
Policy Document Page 1
assessment the business would pay into the total are added together and if the amount equals more than 50%of
the total assessment,the BID is not formed. If the protest vote is not mounted to the required level,the
ordinance takes affect and collections can begin 30 days later. The jurisdiction in which the lodging business is
physically located will collect the assessment and forward it to the County who will then forward it to the
SLOCVCB.
Management of BID Funds
By California law,the County must appoint an Advisory Board to monitor and oversee the funds collected
through the BID and report to the Board of Supervisors. By local ordinance,the Advisory Board must be
comprised of lodging business owners or their representatives,to total up to nine members if the district is
countywide.
Structure of the SLOCVCB
The SLOCVCB is a not-for-profit, 501 C(6)corporation with a 22 member Board of Directors. Once the BID
is established,the role of the SLOCVCB becomes one of"contractor"to the Board of Supervisors to carry out
services, activities and programs funded by revenues collected from the BID and approved by the Advisory
Board.
The Marketing Committee of the SLOCVCB,comprised of a broad range of tourism businesses,will budget for
and develop the marketing plan,with final approval by the Advisory Board.The SLOCVCB will implement the
Marketing plan.
The SLOCVCB Board of Directors will have budget approval over the remaining tourism promotion budget
(public sector,cooperative partnership programs,etc)and continue to set policy and direction on issues facing
the future of tourism in San Luis Obispo County.
Members and Funding BID Municipalities
Benefits & Services Policy
Post-BID
Local city or county municipalities within San Luis Obispo County contribute a portion of general fund monies
to the SLOCVCB and collectively account for a significant amount of funding for the SLOCVCB operations.
These municipalities("Funding BID Municipalities")fund the SLOCVCB's efforts as a mechanism to promote
their jurisdiction. Municipalities within San Luis Obispo County may elect not to contribute to the
SLOCVCB's efforts ("Non-Funding BID Municipalities"). Specific businesses, including lodging,restaurants,
retail attractions,and service businesses that pay dues to the SLOCVCB are considered business members
("Members").
State law enabling the formation of BIDS strictly requires that all BID generated funds be used to only promote
businesses within the designated BID area. This means that BID funds cannot be used in any way to promote
businesses in cities of the County that do not participate in the BID.
In the event that not all cities choose to participate in the BID, SLOCVCB will be challenged to document that
funds provided by the BID are not being used,directly or indirectly to promote businesses outside the BID,
while still promoting the County as a whole. For this reason it is essential that all cities choose to participate in
the County BID.
It is important that both participating, and potentially non-participating cities fully understand the impact of
their decision with respect to the SLOCVCB's ability to support their marketing and outreach efforts. While
seeking to remain a unified,countywide marketing and tourism promotion agency,the SLOCVCB must also be
sure that it acts in compliance with applicable state law. Therefore it will adopt the following policies should
the County proceed with BID formation:
Policy Document Page 2
These policies clearly define the SLOCVCB's efforts for the businesses,attractions and points of interest within
Funding Municipalities as well as benefits and services for the municipalities themselves. They also define the
extent that the SLOCVCB can contract with municipalities and businesses outside of the BID to provide
services.
SLOCVCB has established this policy for the appropriate execution of services by SLOCVCB officers,
contractors and employees("Employees"). This policy also defines Member requirements. The terms
"Benefits and Services for Members"as used shall include,but is not limited to the following:
• inclusion in advertising,co-op and advertorials
• inclusion in trade promotions,radio trades and off-season programs
• inclusion or referrals through telephone calls,visits, letters,emails,web site.
• inclusion in travel planners and publications
• access to membership database
• referrals or bookings through web site or reservations booking services
• inclusion in direct mail promotions
• proactive story pitches to media outlets
• media assistance
• generation of news,magazine,television and other media coverage.
• inclusion in media images and b-roll
• access to visitor studies and research
• inclusion on web site,E-newsletter,sub-portals,and electronic media
• inclusion in tour and travel promotions,booths,and familiarization tours
• inclusion in maps,publications or signage materials
• inclusion in online and intemet-based kiosks
• inclusion in group sales leads,filming leads, familiarization tours and tradeshows
• inclusion in meeting planner newsletters and promotions
• participation in standing committees, sub-committees,and ad-hoc committees
• representation on Board of Directors
The terms"Benefits and Services for Funding BID Municipalities"as used shall include, but is not limited to
the following:
• inclusion of all"tourism businesses"such as winery tasting rooms,retailers, restaurants,tour operators
and tourism event producers as"Members". These"Members"must be located within the city limits,
be members of at least one of the local Chamber of Commerce/downtown association/vintner
association,and have a valid website and email address. (SLOCVCB reserves the right to define
"tourism business").
• municipal promotion committees or VCBs can participate in co-op advertising, trade shows, special
promotions programs, standing committees, sub-committees,and ad-hoc committees
• municipal-owned facilities,(parks,community centers,museums,etc)will be able to participate or be
included in all the"Member"Benefits and Services,providing there is a website and email address.
• representation of the municipality on the SLOCVCB Board of Directors
SLOCVCB reserves the right to change the policies and procedures set forth in the administrative regulation
with approval of Board of Directors.
Policy Document Page 3
. � A
Policy
1. Members must be physically located within the established tourism BID boundary. To be eligible to
become a Member of SLOCVCB,at least 50%of the total area of place of business/activity must be
located/conducted within the tourism BID district. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the BID
Advisory Board and the SLOCVCB Board of Directors.
2. Tourism businesses within a BID Funding Municipality will receive"member" benefits automatically
without a membership fee if these"Members"are located within the city limits,and are members of at least
one of the local Chamber of Commerce/downtown association/vintner association,and have a valid website and
email address.
3. SLOCVCB will provide Benefits and Services primarily to businesses,events attractions and points of
interest within the established tourism BID district. Events,attractions,businesses and points of interest
whose activity is held in greater than 50%of the area in the jurisdiction of a Non-BID Municipality shall not be
provided Benefits and Services offered by SLOCVCB and its Employees.
4. SLOCVCB may contract with municipalities and businesses outside of the BID for inclusion in specific
marketing or promotion efforts where such entities provide the SLOCVCB with funding,adequate to
cover all of the direct and indirect costs of such promotions,including appropriate allocation of agency
overhead, staffing, support and related costs. Such services will be provided on a"Non-Member"basis,as
contracted services. SLOCVCB will not provide promotional support,marketing assistance, or other services
to municipalities,businesses or entities outside of BID district boundaries in the absence of a specific contract
to do so that has been reviewed by SLOCVBC legal counsel to be in conformance with applicable state and
local ordinances regarding use of BID funds
5. Businesses,attractions,and points-of-interest that meet the following criteria shall be EXEMPTED
from this policy:
A. Attractions,businesses or points of interests promoted in conjunction with an effort in collaboration
with the California Travel and Tourism Commission, Central Coast Tourism Council or member of
Destination Marketing Association International or Western Association of Convention&Visitor
Bureaus.
B. Activities,businesses or points-of-interests operated or owned by the following agencies(not
considering Funding jurisdictions or non-Funding Jurisdictions):
• All San Luis Obispo County Airports
• Amtrak
• Camp San Luis Obispo
• Camp Roberts
• Cal Poly
• Cuesta College
• Los Padres National Forrest
• Carizzo Plain National Monument
• California State Parks including Hearst Castle
Policy Document Page 4
Attachment A
Steering Committee Members:
These members of the lodging community have volunteered their expertise to help develop the
most equitable structure and policies of the proposed San Luis Obispo County Tourism Business
Improvement District. Please feel free to contact them with and questions or concerns about the
proposed district.
Tim Billing Nipool Patel
Embassy Suites Comfort Inn Lamplighter
tim billing(@ hilton.com ni000l@gmail.com
Terence Concannon Shawn Styler
Mission Inn Pismo Beach Ascot Inn & Suites
tconcannonC�missioninnoismobeach.cam sstvlerCilascotinn.com
Sandi Cutler Jamie Wallace
King Ventures Pacifca Hotels/Fog Catcher Inn
scutler@kingventures.net gm3420fogcatcherinn.com
Bob Griffin Myraline Morris Whitaker
Sterling Hotels (formerly) Central Coast of California Hotels
robertlgriffin@vahoo.com mmwhitaker5califcentralcoasthotels.com
Matt Masia
Adelaide Inn
adelaide(c fix.net
Marjorie Ott
Olallieberry Inn B&B
info(&olallieberry.com
Greg Padgett
Getaway Videos
goadgett0getawavvideos.com
Jesse Patgue
Holiday Inn Exxpress/Paso Robles
jesse(&hixpaso.com
JP Patel
Best Western Colony Inn
jonatel@calinet.com
Policy Document Page 5